Good comments from Rod. A few more:
-Carbon is not "brittle," but there have been some breakage issues
over the years. Mostly they are very reliable, especially if the
content is less than 100%.
- Yes, mast size varies by sail size. A 7.0 will likely need a 460 cm
mast - the sail specs will tell you what size mast - it is based on
the spec for "luff", which refers to the leading edge of the sail
(where the mast goes). You will also need an extension and a mast
foot. Note that there are different boom sizes, too - the sail specs
will also give boom length.
- As for the sail size, either 6.5 or 7.0 is a good size to start
with. You can add as you need to - most likely the next one you get
will be bigger, unless you are in a windy locale.
- I would suggest a no-cam "free ride" sail - examples are Sailworks
Retro, MauiSails Switch or Ezzy Freeride, lots of others too. As Rod
said, the sail will dictate the mast, and they will normally recommend
models with varying carbon content. If I were you I would go with
"full x-ply" since in my experience they are more durable and you will
be falling on it a lot. Both the Ezzy and Retro are, but again there
are others too. We all have our favorites.
Stick with it - this is a fantastic sport!!!!
Gerry
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